From Gov. Howard Dean (M.D.), this passionate and straight-talking guide to health care reform explains how Americans can make universal coverage a reality.

Americans have pondered how to reform healthcare since the days of Harry Truman. But for most Americans, little has changed—except that healthcare costs have soared, health insurance companies have grown bigger and more oppressive to both doctors and patients, and today even those Americans who pay dearly for health insurance frequently find that their policies don't adequately cover them when they need their coverage most.

Something has got to give. In his bold new book, Howard Dean—the physician and former governor widely credited for reviving the Democratic Party after the 2004 elections—tells Americans what needs to be done to successfully reform healthcare. One key, he writes, is to offer Americans the option to participate in a public health insurance program, much like Medicare. "America has had 'socialized' medicine since 1964," says Dean. "It's called Medicare; it covers every American over 65, and they are very happy with the program. The rest of America deserves a similar option."

In this straight-talking guide to overcoming today's healthcare crisis, Dean spells out:
* What Obama's healthcare plan is all about
* How other countries handle healthcare
* Which special interests are standing in the way of progress and why
* How healthcare reform will help American businesses prosper
* Why Americans need choice—between private and public health insurance coverage

Millions of Americans lack health insurance; millions more pay for coverage that doesn't protect them from serious illness; and the status quo leaves Americans at the mercy of corporate interests. This persuasive argument from a passionate political strategist shows Americans how to take back the healthcare reins.

zoonarian	Posted on Aug 4, 2009 12:16 PM
A full circle perscription for change... As a progressive Democrat I was kind of annoyed when I read HR 3200 (The President's Health bill) because it did not focus enough on tearing down the institutions that got us into this situation in the first place. I was a big proponent of HR 676, but after reading Howard Dean's book I fully understand that to create meaningful change this time around instead of another failed attempt...we must be...Pro-Choice. That little buzz word (Pro-Choice) saying it in polite conversation can get you criticized and even chastised by the people in your presence. Gov. Dr. Dean (Not sure which to call him since he sounds like he was DAMN good at both) gives his reasons for supporting the President's new plan because it is the only way to not force out the current parties but still reform the system. Dr. Dean also give great details about how you can help in the fight for Meaningful Healthcare Reform and has convinced me that maybe I can take the time out on my vacation (unlike Congress) and do m
JohnD	Posted on Jul 28, 2009 6:49 PM
Clear, straighforward, and very useful this is the clearest explanation i've read of why our healthcare system is so screwed up, and i appreciated the distinctions Dean makes between real and fake reform -- very useful as we watch the sausage making going on in Congress. i agree that a public plan is essential.
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Howard Dean, a medical doctor, served six terms as Governor of Vermont and ran for the 2004 Democratic Presidential nomination. He was the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2005 to 2009. He is chair of the board of directors of Progressive Book Club.

Interview with Howard Dean (NOW on PBS)  Q. When you were governor of Vermont, you built upon Medicaid in your home state to get a lot of people covered. A. We have more children covered, I think, than any other state in the country. Ninety-seven percent have it. We made families of four who make less than $65,000 eligible for their kids to have health insurance. Now, it didn't cost us hardly anything. We didn't raise taxes, although the federal government paid for a significant portion of it. The truth is there's no excuse for not covering people under 18 in this country. It's insane not to because if you don't, you pay for all that stuff later on when they turn 30 or 40 or 50 or 60. You can use Medicaid as one of the building blocks of universal health insurance. And we certainly ought to do it for people probably under 25. ... (Read the full interview.)